Creature of Comfort: Irene of Bloesem + Bloesem Kids

It's time for me to sign off for the weekend, but not without leaving you all with the wonderful words and inspirations of one of my favorite bloggers Irene from Bloesem, Bloesem Kids and Bkids Shop.

{IRENE'S INSPIRATIONS} Ceramic artwork from Hella Jongerius, Children’s illustrations by Fiep Westendorp, Photography by Maditi :: flower - abstract, Craftprojects by Arounna from Bookhou, Vintage ceramics from Porsgrund.

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What is one thing that never fails to inspire you?
Books … cookbooks, children’s books, books about design and Japanese craft books
And other peoples handmade work, I’m always in awe when I see the amazing things people can create with their hands, like a painting, furniture, something knitted, crafted or a simple drawing …
 
How are you currently incorporating your inspirations into your blog/designs/art?
By showing the things I mentioned above on both my blogs and share my passion for the artists’ work with my readers.
 
What is your favorite indulgence?
A gin+tonic on our balcony with some snacks together with Rik and our son playing inside …
 
What are three creature comforts you can't live without?
Applebutter on a wholegrain sandwich, something typically Dutch and preferably together with some very mature cheese … my family always bring lots of cans when they are visiting
Our bed, I love watching a movie or some tv in our bedroom
Sunshine, living in a tropical country like Malaysia makes me a happier person, I really need sunshine and lot’s of light, although I love my home country, the Netherlands and particularly Amsterdam very much, I always had problems with the long rainy and grey days.
 
Do you have a personal motto or words that you live by (quotes and song lyrics are fine too)?
Someone once said : Go confidently in the direction of your dreams … live the life you’ve imagined ... and I try to live like this.  And my best friend, husband and lover always says to me live life to the fullest, you only live once and I love that sentence.

See more of the ever-inspiring Irene at: Bloesem, Bloesem Kids and Bkids Shop.

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Have a fabulous weekend everyone.  I'll see you all here one more time on Monday and then I'll be off on vacation until after the New Year (don't worry I'll have a few little posts for you in my absence).  Until then, xoxo Ez

Puzzled - Creative D.I.Y. Gift Tags

I was at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago and was delighted to find that they are carrying a line of products featuring the artwork of Charley Harper (in stores only).  I bought multiples of the memory matching game and jigsaw puzzle and decided that with a little tweaking they would make great gift tags / gift toppers / ornaments.

Using a drill I made a hole at the top of each puzzle piece, and the top or corner of each memory game card.  I then threaded through various twines, strung on some painted wooden beads for fun, and that was it!  You could glue decorative paper to the back of the puzzle pieces or leave them as raw wood (like I did).  I love that these jazz up your packages and then can be reused as holiday ornaments for many years to come.

This project will work with any wooden or cardboard puzzle / matching game.

TIP: Look for affordable vintage puzzles at thrift shops and antique stores.  Have fun!

Update on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 by Ez

I'm happy to update with a new source for the Charley Harper games found in this post. Ammo Books carries both sets - the Charley Harper Memory Game and Charley Harper Wooden Puzzle.

Inspiration Daily: Special Edition - Wrapping Things Up

Beautiful packaging from a few of my flickr favorites:
1. Apple Wrap, 2. gifting, 3. holiday candy wrapping, 4. wonder, 5. shari's packaging, 6. toadstool on a tag, 7. wrapping #2, 8. almost done, 9. for sarah, 10. Mushroom Lucky Parcel :: Sent, 11. the edge, 12. holiday gift wrap

And here are some links to free downloadable gift tags that you can use to top all the fabulous gifts I'm sure you are excited to give this holiday.

• Bella Dia: A Huge List of Free Gift Tags
• Holiday Tags from The Green Zebra
• A lovely list of free gift tags at Sweet Tidings
• Absolutely Adorableness from Natascha Rosenberg
• Colorfully Clever by B Dunlap

Also, I couldn't pass up mentioning these wonderful Printable Download Tags (only $4.50 for the PDF) from Little Paper Dog.  AND just for CC readers, Michelle is offering 20% off all of the holiday downloads in her shop.  Just enter code "CreatureComfortsHoliday" in the notes to seller section at checkout and you will be refunded the difference via PayPal.

...and finally, if all else fails (the printer is broken, you've run out of time, and/or you're at your wits end)... give your gift some Georgie Love (the cutest thing I've seen in a long time).

Inspired by: All That Glitters

I'm so crazy for these pieces right now.  I actually would like this look translated into everything... from home decor and paper goods to lingerie and more.  What things are really rocking your world these days?  Leave link to your favorites in the comment section below if you'd like. 

{LINK LOVE}

1. Cut Chandelier Strand at West Elm
2. Max & Cleo Ruffle-Neck Dress at Newport-News
3. Lip Delight (in Passion Flower and Classis Noir) from MOR Cosmetics
4. Purple Amethyst Ring by Pulm & Sage at Paper n Stitch
5. Carmen Satin Peep Toe Heels at J.Crew

Inspiration Daily: 12. 18. 08

Two of my favorites from my flickr contacts. 1. Untitled, 2. sugar scrubs